I have London on the brain. The Brit and I stayed in Vancouver over Christmas, but a little part of me wishes we had gone to England, because London really showed up for the party – did you see any of this on Instagram??

Travelling in Scotland is one of my favourite things to do. It’s one of my happy places. But the exchange rate isn’t really ever in my favour, so I’m always on the hunt for ways to #GetThrifty – without sacrificing fun – when I’m away. During the research phase of my recent trip with the girls, I was very excited when the marketing coordinator from one of the distilleries emailed me back with an amazing tip for our Highlands road trip path. It’s called the ‘Friends of the Classic Malts’ and it was almost like getting a golden ticket because it equals… free whisky! And who doesn’t want that? We…

Before I left for my trip in May, I was quizzing my expat colleagues about where the girls and I should eat and drink for our three nights in London. They all recommended one place: Soho. Though I’ve been to London many times, it was an area that, aside from the theatres, I had no paid much attention to. Having now explored a bit, I can safely say shame on me. Located in the West End of London, Soho is London’s nightlife hot spot. It has morphed, chameleon-like over the decades, from being the place to find certain company and activities (you know what I mean), to the hub of the…

I’ve been back a couple weeks now from a really fantastic trip with some of my best girlfriends, and with jet-lag blessedly dissipated, I’ve begun to dive into my photos and notes. So many pictures, and a lot of information. And memories. Really fun and good memories. (Like this one!) For obvious reasons, small group travel is very different than solo and paired travel. Here are some key points to remember and how to best enjoy the spectacular places you will see with your friends: Compromise This is the most important part of group travel, specifically travelling with your friends. Why? Because it’s not just about you. It’s about what’s best for…

As I’ve been preparing for my upcoming holiday (One week until takeoff!), I’ve been going through the photos from my last trip to Europe in summer 2015. (What did I see, what did I miss?) And I came across the photos from a sunny stroll around London that I absolutely loved. My Airbnb was in a beautiful neighbourhood in an area called Lambeth, which leads on to the South Bank of the Thames from the Lambeth Walk. My good Edinburgh friend, Jim, travels to London a lot for work and had suggested an extension of my regular routine – with a few of his favourite stops – when I told…

I recently made a new ex-pat friend from England. We were chatting and the word “windscreen” came up about his car. He then said “That’s a windshield, sorry need to use the North American word!”. I already knew this but it made me remember that I had started a list of the British words and translations that I have learned and compiled over the years of visiting my second favourite rainy place after Vancouver. I learn at least three new words from Stephen and Lesley every time I go to Edinburgh. I also thoroughly enjoy seeing/hearing North American tourists trying to figure out what people are saying. (It took me a while,…

We got back from the Highland town of Aviemore yesterday evening and after doing a bit of work, I can think about the last week and a bit. Aviemore will have to be a different day’s writing but Edinburgh can be consise. Or at least, I will try…. Generosity has been a plenty since the moment we set foot on Scottish soil. Lesley and Stephen welcomed us and our bulky rucksacks into their guest room and told us to make ourselves at home. They are good people. And in return, we have been making a few dinners and I have been getting acquainted with the somewhat older gas range/oven for…

About

Hello, I'm Yasmine! West Coast City Girl is a travel and lifestyle blog with a focus on enjoying what the world has to offer while keeping well and staying on budget. Fuelled by Earl Grey tea, I’ve made it my mission to live life and travel knowing that one doesn’t have to spend a fortune or sacrifice wellness in order to have a fulfilling journey!

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